Post by admin on Aug 4, 2006 0:50:17 GMT -5
Long-term preservation of cassava, taro, and breadfruit by solar-drying in the Pacific Islands area
J. P. ROWE, Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science, Brigham Young University, S221 ESC, Provo, UT 84062, A. R. Sloan, and F. M. Steele, Nutrition, Dietetics, & Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.
Cassava, taro, and breadfruit are critical food sources indigenous to the Pacific Islands. Because they serve as the main source of energy for 500 million people, their availability is vital to the survival of these people. In addition to the energy provided, these plants also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Generally, cassava, taro, and breadfruit are grown with relative ease and abundance. Their physical and chemical properties, however, are not conducive to storage, and as a result, much is wasted. In times of shortage (drought, hurricane, blights), the use of preserved cassava, taro, and breadfruit can be significant in the sustaining of life. Through use of a solar-drier, we have developed methods suitable for the long-term storage of these plant foods.
Our objective was to develop a drying and storage method that would provide the people of the Pacific Islands with a safe, quality preserved food.
Various methods of solar-drying were tested, with measurements of water activity (Aw), temperature, and relative humidity (RH) being taken at various times. Upon drying, the fruit pieces were sealed in MylarTM bags with oxygen absorbers. Subsequent measurements of Aw and headspace oxygen content were taken periodically after storage.
Results indicate that solar-drying is an effective means of preservation in the Pacific Islands. Aw levels were generally the same as the initial measured levels (.4-.6). Headspace oxygen content was minimal in each sample (below .05%), indicating the oxygen absorbers were effective.
These results show an environment more suitable for the long-term storage of cassava, taro and breadfruit. Such long-term storage will provide the people of the Pacific Islands with supplies of usable food in times of shortage as well as provide a means for storage of highly perishable products.